Rayners reigns with five-goal tally
Zaahier Adams
When a bowler claims a five-wicket haul in cricket it is termed a five-for, or a “Michelle”.
The term comes from the name of former Hollywood actress Michelle Pfeiffer.
Well, Stellenbosch FC forward Iqraam Rayners left the Danie Craven Stadium with his own Michelle on Saturday evening after banging in a record-equalling five goals against Polokwane City in their DStv Premiership encounter.
Rayners’ five-star performance not only cemented Steve Barker’s team’s grip on second spot with 46 points, but also propelled the 28-year-old to the top of the goalscorers table with 13 strikes.
Barker was certainly full of praise for his ace marksman.
“They were five special goals, all quality goals. Composed and quality finishes,” Barker said. “He is playing himself in contention for player of the season as he showed his qualities as a goalscorer.”
Rayners is no young upstart, having begun his career at former Cape Town giants Santos FC before enjoying a successful period at Stellenbosch FC in the National First Division, which earned him a move up country to SuperSport United.
Unfortunately, Rayners’ time in the nation’s capital was unsuccessful and after three seasons returned to Stellies. Barker, though, welcomed him home with open arms, which immediately yielded a change in fortunes for the prolific striker.
“It was just a question of 'Ikkie' being back in a happy place. For me, it was about the position he played, which is the No 9 down the middle,” Barker said.
“I think at SuperSport, he wasn't used as an out-and-out striker. So, when he came back, the way he started, he went through a purple patch where he just scored goals.”
⚽️ 17' – Iqraam Rayners
— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) April 28, 2024
⚽️ 65' – Iqraam Rayners
⚽️ 75' – Iqraam Rayners
⚽️ 79' – Iqraam Rayners
⚽️ 82' – Iqraam Rayners
You've never seen anything quite like it 🤩 pic.twitter.com/f7BsphDerl
🗣️ "What can one say? I thought it was five special goals..."
— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) April 28, 2024
Steve Barker has praised the goalscoring exploits of Iqraam Rayners following the striker’s record-breaking five-goal haul against Polokwane City.
Read the coach's post-match thoughts below ↓
Barker also feels that Rayners has the qualities to not only perform domestically in the DStv Premiership, but also internationally for Bafana Bafana.
“He is natural goalscorer. You can see that he knows what he wants to do. He won't just take a shot when he knows it's going to get blocked, so he always tries to create a better angle,” Barker said.
“He has always had that in him. And now that he's had a Bafana Bafana call-up, and coming back from the Bafana squad, his game has gone up to an even higher level, especially his link-up play and scoring goals.
“He is doing himself a lot of favours and hopefully he can hold on to that position. He has got pace, a clean strike.
“That first goal shows that ability, and he has got a good technique. He showed that when he played in the wide areas. And you also see how he is able to change play when the ball is on his left foot.
“Technically very good and confident right now. Goalscoring is a lot about decision making and ‘Ikkie’ makes really good decisions.”
Barker will hope Rayners can maintain his form through to the end of the season, as Stellies look to gain qualification to the CAF Champions League for the first time, while the Winelands club are also still set to face the mighty Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup semi-final on Sunday (May 5).